Mains Practice Questions

Essay Topic

1. Desire is a contract that you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.

2. The unexamined life is not worth living.

Q. Discuss the key components of probity in governance and their significance in fostering ethical and transparent administration. (150 Words)

Q. Analyze the significance of an individual's conscience in shaping ethical behavior and choices for administrators and public servants. (150 Words)

Q. How can Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) contribute to balancing economic development goals with pollution abatement strategies? (150 Word)

Q. Discuss the significance and challenges of developing a semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the evolving dynamics of the federal structure in India, highlighting the key issues and challenges faced by states. (150 Words)

Q. Evaluate the Representation of People's Act, 1951 as a tool for promoting representation and inclusivity in the Indian political landscape. (150 Words)

Q. Examine the role of climate and agroecological zones in influencing major crop cultivation. (150 Words)

Q. How did the First World War influence the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, and what contributions did early nationalists and revolutionaries make during this critical period in India's freedom struggle? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Sustainability is not a cost, it's an investment.

2. Science without humanity is but a roaring chaos.

Case Studies

A famous Indian car company brought an international model to the local market, promising customers the same quality. However, a surprise check found the cars didn't match the approved specs, and a later investigation showed intentional misconduct. The company wasn't just selling subpar cars in India; they were also using rejected export models for local sales. This unethical practice was uncovered, damaging the company's reputation and causing financial losses. Now, the company must address these issues to regain trust and restore its standing in the automotive industry.

The unethical actions had widespread repercussions, greatly damaging the company's image and resulting in substantial financial setbacks both domestically and globally. The betrayal of trust with consumers and regulators created a ripple effect, affecting the company's position in the fiercely competitive automotive industry. It became crucial for the company to implement corrective measures and undertake damage control to rebuild trust and reclaim its previously robust market position.

A. What ethical considerations should guide the company's decision-making process in rectifying these actions and rebuilding trust with consumers and regulators?

B. How can the company foster a culture of ethical awareness and accountability among its stakeholders?

Q. Examine the concepts of emotional intelligence, and discuss their utilities and application in administrative practices. (150 Words)

Q. "Discuss the significance of aptitude and foundational values in the context of civil services. How do these elements contribute to the effectiveness and ethical conduct of civil servants? (150 Words)

Q. Analyze the impact of globalization on inclusive growth. How can nations harness the benefits of globalization while mitigating its negative consequences? (150 Words)

Q. How have land reforms contributed to socio-economic development, and what measures can be taken to address the persistent issues hindering their success? (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the constitutional powers and functions of the President of India, highlighting their role as both the ceremonial head of the state and the guardian of the Constitution. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections, and analyze the challenges it faces in contemporary times. (250 Words)

Q. Examine the architectural evolution during the Vijayanagara Empire in India, highlighting the distinctive features and the impact of this era on the country's architectural history. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement in India's struggle for independence, examining its impact on early nationalists and the role of revolutionaries. (250 words)

Essay Topic

1. The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action.

2. Democracy is not simply a matter of holding elections.

Case Studies

Q. You are a government officer under the central government. In the pursuit of improved public services, the central government is implementing a digital transformation initiative, involving the collection and analysis of citizens' data. You are vested with the responsibility of implementing the digital transformative initiative of the central government. During the implementation process, concerns were raised about the right to privacy and the potential misuse of personal data by private tech firms. While the initiative promises socio-economic development, questions about fair benefits distribution and societal inequalities have emerged due to a lack of clear regulations.

A. What are the ethical challenges that you face as an officer in charge of the digital transformation initiative?

B. How would you balance the competing interests of the government, the citizens, and the private tech firms in this situation?

Q. In what ways do ethical considerations vary between private and public relationships, and what guiding principles should individuals follow when addressing ethical challenges in each domain? (150 Words)

Q. How can the lives and teachings of great leaders serve as valuable lessons in shaping and promoting essential human values? (150 Words)

Q. Examine the concept of inclusive growth and its relevance in the realm of socio-economic development. (150 Words)

Q. Analyze the intricacies associated with the transportation and marketing of agricultural products within the Indian context. (150 Words)

Q. Explore the constitutional distribution of powers between the Union and States in India and assess mechanisms for resolving disputes in this context. (150 Words)

Q. Analyze how the India-Nepal Joint Commission can effectively address common concerns and promote mutual interests between Nepal and India. (150 Words)

Q. Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topic

1. Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.

2. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.